In the Netherlands, May 4th is the Dutch National Remembrance Day. The day is reserved for the victims who died in war, peace operations, and a variety of other military conflicts. People fly the flag at half-mast and hold memorial ceremonies throughout the country. Interestingly, Memorial Day in the Netherlands continues for two days. May 5th is also a holiday; it is the day that the Germans conceded defeat during World War II. In other words, this day is called Liberation Day, but the two days are often celebrated in tandem. ‘May 4th & 5th’ committees organize local events related to Memorial Day. On May 4th, a nationally televised commemoration begins in the evening with service at a church in central Amsterdam. Church bells ring for the quarter of an hour until 8 p.m. and nationwide two-minute period of silence begins. On the next day, which is May 5th, the Prime Minister launches the day’s events which can differ from year to year. The events do, however, follow cultural readings and exhibitions reflecting the year’s topical theme. Crucial events of the day are open air pop festivals featuring top acts in many Dutch towns. These events are held in order to get young people involved in the ceremony.

EUROPEAN UNION (EU)Two Minutes of Silent Prayer

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British Territory Day also known as Remembrance Day is a memorial day to commemorate victims of First World War and other wars. Memorial Day is kept throughout Europe’s many countries. After the World War I, Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day started on 11th November 1918. British Territory Day is for people who faced death war, specifically soldiers. In addition, British Territory Day was suggested by Edward George Honey and enacted on 7th November 1919 by King George 5th. England, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand (ANZAC: Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) pray two minutes of silent tribute at 11'o clock on 11th November to encourage the end of fighting. “Two minutes” refers to the two world wars. Before World War II, silent prayer was held for just one minute. In addition, during British Territory Day, people pin poppies onto their clothes and place them on graves of people who died in war. To stop the war and to commemorate the dead, Lady Madame Guerin suggested the use of poppies. Traditionally, poppies were distributed for free. However, people today give a small donation for a flower. For instance, Canadians generally donate one dollar for each poppy they take or receive. People who want peace wear white poppies while people who disagree with national imperialism wear black poppies.

KOREAPraising Patriotic Martyrs

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People in Korea traditionally remember victims and praise their unswerving loyalty every year. On June 6th, all parts of the country spend time paying respect to the souls of fallen heroes who died
protecting the homeland. People continue to hold a flag hoisting ceremony and offer silent tribute to victims. Memorial Day in Korea was established on April 19th, 1956 to allow all citizens from all parts of the country to participate in a unified ceremony. The day became a legal holiday to encourage people to actively join in the ceremony. Since Korea had frequent wars starting from its colonial period, many citizens died in the struggles for the country. In order to praise their effort, June 6th became a logical holiday. Specifically, on this day, the South Korean flag is lowered to half-mast. Houses and business establishments display the Korean flag on their front doors or windows. In the morning, a siren rings all over the country to signal the start of silent prayers for victims. Most people show respect to the dead and reveal feelings of thankfulness. Even though the time is quite short, the time has deep meaning for Koreans. These traditional actions have continued throughout the years until now.

THE UNITE STATES OF AMERICASpecial Parade for Lost Soldiers

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Every 4th Monday in May, Americans’ commemorate people who died in war. At first, people placed flags and flowers on the graves of people who died in the American Civil War. However, these days, the event commemorates everyone who fought and sacrificed themselves in war. In 1971, former president of the U.S.A, Richard Nixon assigned every 4th Monday of May a legal holiday. Every city in the U.S.A. volunteered its people to be soldiers, many of whom faced death
in war. On this day people hold lots of events in every district of the U.S.A. In some districts, there are commemorative parades. Moreover, public places such as schools and churches also hold commemorating events. Memorial Day is not only for lost soldiers but also for personal commemoration. Anyone who has lost a loved one commemorates the date. On this day, many people attend commemorate events or place flowers on graves. On Memorial Day, the President give a national address and offers flowers. In addition, people pray for both soldiers and people who died in war. On this day people remember those who died in war, and people can rest on Memorial Day as it is a 3-day weekend holiday. People take a rest and spend time with their loved ones. They go to special parades for soldiers and visit the graves of beloved friends and family.